Cuiabá vs Botafogo Prediction: Botafogo can't afford to drop points

Botafogo let victory slip away in the final minutes of the derby with Vasco da Gama. The Lone Star team was leading 1-0 and preparing to celebrate the victory at its rival's stadium, but Pablo Vegetti's excellent header equalized the match in the 84th minute. The league leader Flamengo took advantage of Botafogo's setback and increased the gap to three points. Artur Jorge's men now have another game on the road, this time in Cuiabá, and must win to avoid falling behind in the fight for first place.

The Golden Dorado drew for the third consecutive time and hasn't lost in five games. Cuiabá is in 14th place with 13 points after 13 matches - not bad for a team that lost its first five Brasileirão fixtures. After a 1-1 draw on the road against Corinthians, the Mato-Grossenses repeated the result at home, this time against Bragantino. Derik Lacerda opened the scoring in the 33rd minute for the home side, but Helinho, who is in great form, scored a beautiful goal for Red Bull in the 42nd minute. Bragantino dominated the game in the second half but failed to score a second goal. The next game is also challenging. Cuiabá will try not to lose against Botafogo to maintain a position far from the relegation zone.

The Glorious remains near the top of the table despite the draw at the São Januário. Last season, Botago lost at Vasco da Gama's ground, so it can't be considered a bad result. Botafogo has 24 points and is three behind Flamengo, the leader of the Série A. The club is negotiating the signing of several players for the next transfer window. Midfielder Allan, a former Napoli player, has been announced by Botafogo and could help his new team soon. The club still dreams of winning the Brasileirão, something it hasn't achieved since 1995. The Cariocas haven't won in their last two away games and now have another tricky game in Cuiabá. If the Glorious wants to be champion, it must show it on the pitch.

Petit has done an excellent job in charge of Cuiabá, which is now a well-organized team. Botafogo will be looking to win at the Arena Pantanal and won't be satisfied with a draw, but it's an outcome with a strong chance of happening. I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Botafogo with a maximum of three goals scored. The Cariocas have players capable of unbalancing a game that should be very competitive.